Songs About Coffins

In early nineteenth century Britain, grave robbing had become such a problem that numerous devices were invented to secure one’s everlasting peace. One such device, “The Patent Coffin,” was devised by a London candle maker named Edward Bridgeman: made out of iron, with concealed spring catches that prevented any would-be resurrectionists from prying off the lid; additionally the sides were joined in a manner that would prevent anyone from being able to pry them apart. The Patent Coffin was so popular that songs were written about it, such as this broadsheet, credited to a “Mr. Didben”: